Travel plans throughout the Gulf have been hit abruptly as the situation in the Middle East keeps on interfering with our airspace and airline itineraries. Flights have been cancelled, embassies have cut services and thousands of travellers have been finding it difficult to make plans at short notice. Kuwait has especially enacted emergency plans like visa extension and more to alleviate the pressure on people visiting the country caught in the fray.
Embassies And Visa Centres In Kuwait Suspend Services In Crisis
The U.S. Embassy in Kuwait declared a temporary shutdown of its public services, cancelling visa meetings and regular consultations. European embassies have done the same, halting face-to-face services during their safety evaluations. The interference has extended to the external visa processing centres. VFS Global ensured that it had closed its centres to Schengen visa applications in Kuwait, and also suspended visa applications to the United Kingdom, Australia and Ireland. The cancellations have further complicated the situation of the travellers who were already grappling with cancelled flights and abrupt plan disruptions.
Oman Air Cancels Numerous Flights As Airspace Closures Continue
Oman Air has confirmed the cancellation of several flights. It is expected to operate on March 6, 7 and 8, such as the flights to Amman, Dubai, Bahrain, Doha, Dammam, Kuwait, Copenhagen, Baghdad and Khasab. Although the airline reported that some flights to other destinations would continue, the passengers are advised of potential delays as the carriers recalculate routes and schedules around the limited airspace. Meanwhile, the Foreign Minister of Oman, Badr Albusaidi, reported that the state is in close collaboration with airlines and other foreign governments to enable the stranded travellers to get back home. In one of his messages to the people, he emphasised that evacuation operations will be beneficial to all nationalities and that all travellers are entitled to safety and an opportunity to go back home.
Also Read: Kuwait Extends Visit Visas For Stranded Travellers Amid Tensions In The Middle East
Kuwait Extends Visit Visas by One Month Amid Middle East Travel Disruptions
The Ministry of Interior of Kuwait has said that the visit visas will be increased to one month beginning February 28, 2026. It is the beginning of significant travel disruptions throughout the area after the tension intensified between Iran, the United States and Israel.
According to the report by Visa News, the extension will automatically take effect using the electronic systems of the Ministry. This implies that visitors will not be required to give requests, fill out any paperwork or visit immigration offices to be given the extra time.
The government also assured that there will be no administrative fees and fines in this period. The decision acknowledges that a significant number of travellers failed to exit the country following cancelled and rerouted flights.
As airlines slowly change their routes and countries coordinate support to those who are stuck in transit, there is still doubt regarding travel within the region.
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Why are flights being cancelled across the Gulf region?
Airspace restrictions and security concerns linked to the ongoing Middle East conflict have forced airlines to cancel or reroute many flights.
Are embassies in Kuwait currently providing visa services?
Several embassies have temporarily suspended in-person services, and many visa appointments and applications are currently on hold.
Do visitors in Kuwait need to apply for the visa extension?
No, the one-month visa extension will be applied automatically through Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior electronic system.